He says: “I suspect it will always be a struggle if we continue with an over-emphasis on mechanistic and technological approaches.

“There is much more that can be done to foster and enhance those age-old qualities of human kindness and compassion.

“The media is full of instances where these have been palpably lacking, and I have heard of others speaking of the need to restore urgently a climate of care and compassion at the heart of our health services.”

He suggests that “the human touch” has steadily decreased as science and technology have improved.

Only by listening to the patient’s “story” can doctors “develop healing empathy and help the patient find their own particular path towards better health”.

But, the Prince says, fostering better health should not just be the responsibility of healthcare professionals.

In Burnley, which has one of the lowest life expectancy rates in the country, several of his charities are working together to improve public health, the built and natural environment, the arts, education and business.

“Why? Because we know that alienated and uncaring communities adversely affect the health and wellbeing of those living in them.”

The Prince says that when he suggested in 1982 that the mind and body must be treated as one, it was “close to heresy” but that now it is becoming more mainstream.

He concludes: “Surely there can never have been a better time for all clinicians to emphasize the value of caring, continuing relationships and of adopting a more holistic approach to health and disease – a human approach, if you like.”